Australia spearhead Starc to miss India tour

MELBOURNE, August 18 

Australia’s pace spearhead Mitchell Starc will miss the limited-overs tour of India starting next month as he continues his recovery from a foot injury. Australia will play India in five ODIs and three T20 matches but Starc’s injury was taking longer to heal than expected and he would be rested to boost his chances of playing England in the Ashes series.

“We have recently reviewed the progress of Mitchell’s right foot injury and the healing process has been slower than we would have liked,” team physio David Beakley said in a statement. 

“Consequently, in order to ensure his best possible preparation for the Ashes, he will be unavailable for the tour of India and will continue his rehab in Australia.” 

Fast bowling all-rounder James Faulkner, who was overlooked for the Champions Trophy, has instead been recalled, along with Nathan Coulter-Nile. They join a pace battery featuring Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins. 

The ODI series starts from September 17. — Reuters 

ODI squad: Steve Smith (captain), David Warner, Ashton Agar, Hilton Cartwright, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Pat Cummins, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa.

T20 squad: Steve Smith (captain), David Warner, Jason Behrendorff, Dan Christian, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Patrick Cummins, Aaron Finch, Travis Head, Moises Henriques, Glenn Maxwell, Tim Paine, Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa.